Dallas Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Chargers Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Dak Prescott, Cowboys Bounce Back on MNF?
The Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Chargers play in NFL Week 6's Monday Night Football matchup. Can Dak Prescott and the Cowboys bounce back on MNF after losing to the 49ers last week? NFL handicapper Matt MacKay shares his prediction and pick for Cowboys vs. Chargers.
Matt MacKay - October 15, 2023, 1:05 PM EDT
7 minDallas Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Chargers Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Dak Prescott, Cowboys Bounce Back on MNF?
After getting one of the biggest mismatched games on the Week 6 slate in prime time on Sunday Night Football between the Giants and Bills, we'll be treated to a much better game on Monday Night Football featuring the Dallas Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Chargers.
There are a lot of storylines to unpack in this game. Dallas just got embarrassed in prime time on the road against the 49ers a week ago, while the Chargers had an extra rest week due to their Bye in Week 5. This allowed star running back Austin Ekeler to heal up, as he's expected back on the field against Dallas' defense on Monday night. Chargers' OC Kellen Moore is the former Cowboys' OC, so Dallas DC, Dan Quinn, should be able to familiarize his unit with the concepts and designs to recognize and contain while facing Justin Herbert and the Chargers' high-flying passing attack.
Dak Prescott threw multiple interceptions against San Francisco and admittedly struggled with turnovers in 2022. So far, the Cowboys' defense has bailed the offense out in most wins, while the methodical, balanced approach from head coach Mike McCarthy's offense has resulted in pedestrian production for the likes of CeeDee Lamb, Tony Pollard, and others through five games.
Can the Cowboys' defense prove redeem itself after getting surgically torn apart by Brock Purdy in Week 5? Or will Justin Herbert and Austin Ekeler prove to be too much, dealing Dallas a second straight prime time loss on the road? NFL handicapper Matt MacKay is here to share his latest prediction and pick for Cowboys vs. Chargers.
Cowboys vs. Chargers Date, Time, and Where To Watch
- Date: Monday, October 16, 2023
- Game Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Where to Watch: ABC, ESPN
Cowboys vs. Chargers Odds
- Spread: Cowboys -1.5 (-110), Chargers +1.5 (-110)
- Total Odds: Under 50.5 (-105), Over 50.5 (-115)
- Moneyline Odds: Cowboys (-126), Chargers (+108)
Dallas Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Chargers Injury Report
Cowboys
Probable: S Donovan Wilson (Ankle), WR KaVontae Turpin (Ankle), S Malik Hooker (Shoulder), C Tyler Biadasz (Ankle), RB Tony Pollard (Shoulder)
Questionable: LB Leighton Vander Esch (Neck), DT Neville Gallimore (Knee)
Out: CB Trevon Diggs (Knee), TE Peyton Hendershot (Ankle)
Chargers
Probable: RB Austin Ekeler (Ankle), TE Donald Parham Jr. (Wrist), OT Rashawn Slater (Ankle), OT Trey Pipkins III (Shoulder), S Derwin James Jr. (Hamstring), QB Justin Herbert (Finger)
Questionable: LB Joey Bosa (Hamstring)
Out: C Corey Linsely (Illness), WR Mike Williams (Knee)
Dallas Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Chargers Prediction
Dallas is laying -1.5 ATS on the road at SoFi Stadium, indicating oddsmakers like the Cowboys to bounce back in this spot against the Chargers, who haven't played a game since narrowly escaping with a win over the Las Vegas Raiders and back-up quarterback Aidan O'Connell in Week 4.
The point total line is set to 50.5, which is pretty high for a prime time game, which tends to go under. The juice is on over 50.5 as well, further alluding to how this game may be an outlier compared to other prime time games we've watched recently this season. The Cowboys are ranked bottom-nine in yards per offensive play (4.9) but eighth in percentage of drives ending in an offensive score (44.2%), which happens to be two spots ahead of the Chargers offense, which sits at 43.2 percent. However, the Chargers rank ninth-best in touchdown percentage on pass attempts (5.5%), compared to just three percent from the Cowboys.
Los Angeles has a solid run defense, ranked 16th in rushing yards per attempt (4.1) but its a liability against the pass, allowing 6.9 net yards gained per pass attempt, third-most in the league. The Chargers' defense also ranks top-six in percentage of drives ending with an offensive score at 43.2 percent, meaning they give up the big plays downfield. Compare this to Dallas' defense, which has surrendered an offensive score on just 26.8 percent of drives. Yes, schedules play a role, but the Chargers have played the Titans, Vikings, and Raiders during their last three matchups, so let's not trash the Cowboys' schedule too hard when dissecting this data.
A couple of trends emerge within this matchup, pertaining to the data discussed. Dallas has won eight games outright when favored following a loss, currently sitting at -126 moneyline odds on FanDuel. The Cowboys have also covered the spread as favorites following a loss in eight straight matchups, currently laying -1.5 ATS, making them a two-point road favorite in SoFi Stadium.
Dallas will be much more desperate entering this game and they have a soft matchup against a vulnerable Los Angeles pass defense that gives up big plays. Expect Pollard, Lamb, and tight end Jake Ferguson to get involved early and often, while Micah Parsons will be tormenting Herbert off the edge to do enough to get the Cowboys back into the win column. Let's throw two units on Dallas as slight moneyline road favorites at -126 odds at FanDuel Sportsbook.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Los Angeles Chargers Pick
- Pick: Dallas Cowboys Moneyline (-126) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card on Monday Night Football
Think you know what's going to happen on Monday Night Football this week when the Dallas Cowboys take on the Los Angeles Chargers? Answer the questions below for your chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card!
NFL Odds
